Winston-Salem, NC -- The City Council delayed its decision on a rezoning request for a new apartment complex to replace the Westside Apartments on West First Street Monday night.
The council will continue the rezoning discussion at its Oct. 15 meeting.
Councilmembers asked city staff to work with the people currently living in the Westside Apartments to find new, affordable places to live. The new property owner says, if the property is approved, they'll help families find new places; they even offered to help families in the moving process.
Some current residents don't think that's enough. One woman at the meeting said it would cost her $40 just to fill out the application for a new apartment. Others brought up the need for deposits for electricity and other utilities.
City staff will use the next two weeks to help these families find resources, like existing non-profit organizations, to help people living at Westside make affordable moves.
Ed McNeal, the city's marketing and communications director, did say the council seemed supportive of the new apartments. He said the council's main concern is the 75 households this project will affect. The goal over the next two weeks is to find these people affordable places to live.